The Shanghai Gesture
Published by Krustee February 22nd, 2006 in Ethnic Stereotypes, Mean Mothers.Starring: Ona Munson, Walter Huston, Victor Mature, Gene Tierney
What is The Shanghai Gesture? Is that like the Brooklyn Salute? Anyway, this sinful story takes place in Shanghai, the East’s City of Pleasure. Our tale revolves around Mother Gin Sling, an Asiatic Empress of Pleasure (totally played by a white lady, by the way,) who owns Shanghai’s sleaziest, and most decadent casino. In Mother Gin Sling’s casino, fortunes are lost, promises are broken, and damsels are deflowered. Also, hair is done. That is to say, Mother Gin Sling’s hairdo’s are some of the most elaborate known to man. It takes a lot of Yin-Yang to keep Mother supplied with giant curly sparkly things to stick into her hair.
Anyway, Mother Gin Sling’s casino is in peril. A wealthy white businessman wants to buy up all the properties on the block and knock them over. Meanwhile, Mother’s henchman, the playboy Doctor Omar, has picked up Poppy Jones, a mysterious and naive young lady who recently has started frequenting the casino. Soon Poppy is racking up a huge tab at the casino, and her losing streak is unstoppable. But who is she, and where did she get that diamond necklace?
The movie culminates in a dinner party at Mother’s home– thrown in honor of Sir Guy Charteris, the white developer. Sparks fly as Mother fights to save her casino. But what is her mysterious connection to Sir Guy’s past? And what is her even more mysterious connection to Poppy?
A great campy film noir with some gratuitous overacting for good measure.
This was definately an over the top acting cast but a truly odd & fascinating noir. Ona Munson role as Mother Gin Sling wiped out any memory of Belle Watley (GWTW) for me. Who knew Gene Tierney could let her hair and emote the heck out of her role of Poppy (great name/fit perfect with the decadent setting).
Victor Mature as Dr. Omar was a hoot and no one could wear a Fez better (though Elmer Fudd could give him a run for his money).